MA Ideology and Discourse Analysis - Ideology and Discourse Analysis Degree

Program Overview

The MA Ideology and Discourse Analysis program at the University of Essex examines the role of ideologies and political discourses in shaping political identities and interests, equipping students with skills for analyzing contemporary political processes. It covers theories of ideology and discourse, research methods, political analysis, and the philosophy of social science. Graduates are prepared for careers in public, private, and third sectors, including research, academia, and international organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA Ideology and Discourse Analysis program at the University of Essex explores the formation and sustenance of political identities and interests through ideologies and political discourses. It delves into the key ideologies and political discourses that shape our lives, examining how theories of ideology and discourse inform contemporary political analysis. The program aims to equip students with the tools to explain and evaluate key political processes.

Key topics covered include:

• Poststructuralist, post-Marxist, and psychoanalytic theories of ideology and discourse
• Research methods in critical political theory and analysis
• Key concepts for political analysis
• Mass media and democracy
• Philosophy of social science

Program Highlights:

• Unparalleled access to leading minds in politics
• Study of a wide range of topics, including mass media and democracy, political analysis, and the philosophy of social science
• Development of unique analytical, critical, and communication skills enhancing employability in politics
• Expert staff with diverse expertise, including advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants, and commentating on political events in national and international media
• Organization of the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis

Outline:

Year 1

• Component 01: CORE (60 Credits)
• MA Dissertation:
This component allows for independent learning on a topic of choice, with one-to-one supervision from a member of staff. Students write a dissertation of up to 10,000 words.
• Component 02: CORE (15 Credits)
• Ideology and Political Discourse:
This module introduces fundamental concepts and logics of poststructuralist discourse theory, including discussions of post-Marxism, deconstruction, structural linguistics, and psychoanalytic theory. Students engage with contemporary debates in critical political theory to understand the role of discourse and ideology in the contemporary world.
• Component 03: CORE (15 Credits)
• Component 04: COMPULSORY (15 Credits)
• Foundations and Methods of Political Theory:
This module explores key assumptions in social scientific research, including value-neutrality, progress, and truth. It evaluates foundational questions in the philosophy of science about obtaining certain, value-free knowledge and making laws about the social world. The module also explores the methodology of normative political theory and the role of ideals and utopias in political thinking.
• Government option(s) from list
• Government option(s) from list

Teaching Courses:

• Designed to provide an advanced understanding of either the politics of a geographical area or an aspect of the discipline
• Include both compulsory and optional modules, allowing for tailoring to individual interests and aspirations
• Employ discussion and problem-solving as learning methods
• Include lab sessions to improve technical research skills

Assessment:

• Coursework is assessed through essays, simulations, presentations, and in-class tests.
• Students receive guidance on preparing a Masters dissertation from the Graduate Director in the spring term.
• Students are linked with an appropriate supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

Teaching:

• Postgraduate students in the Department of Government generally have a one-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar for each module every week, or a two-hour seminar for smaller modules.
• Variations in teaching methods may occur depending on the module.

Careers:

• Graduates of the MA Ideology and Discourse Analysis program are well-equipped for careers in the public, private, or third sector, both domestically and internationally.
• Recent graduates have secured positions at high-profile organizations, including:
• The Civil Service
• Local government
• The World Bank
• The United Nations
• YouGov and YouGov America
• The program also provides supervision for PhD and MPhil in fields such as government, ideology and discourse analysis, international relations, political behavior, and politics.
• Many graduates pursue careers in academia, teaching or researching at universities, colleges of higher education, and schools.
• The University's Careers Services assists students in finding work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Other:

• The program offers a number of postgraduate taught dual awards with international partners, allowing students to earn two Masters degrees in a shorter time than studying them separately.
• The program provides a competitive edge when applying for jobs or preparing for PhD study.

International fee £21,700